JP3247963B2 - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP3247963B2 JP3247963B2 JP36093392A JP36093392A JP3247963B2 JP 3247963 B2 JP3247963 B2 JP 3247963B2 JP 36093392 A JP36093392 A JP 36093392A JP 36093392 A JP36093392 A JP 36093392A JP 3247963 B2 JP3247963 B2 JP 3247963B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- developing device
- opening
- latent image
- carrier
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Magnetic Brush Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、複写機、ファクシミ
リ、プリンター等の画像形成装置の現像装置に係り、詳
しくは、乾式現像剤を用いた現像装置における潜像担持
体に向けた装置ハウジング開口の端部からのトナー飛散
の防止に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, etc., and more particularly, to an opening of a device housing for a latent image carrier in a developing device using a dry developer. And the prevention of toner scattering from the end of the image.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来、一成分や二成分の乾式現像剤を用
いた現像装置においては、潜像担持体に向けたハウジン
グ開口からのトナー飛散の防止のために、種々の技術が
提案されている。例えば、特開昭６４ー１１２７８号公
報には、装置ハウジング開口と潜像担持体とが対向する
現像領域において、現像剤からなる磁気ブラシを現像剤
担持体の搬送方向上流側からの気流をブロックするよう
に形成し、搬送方向下流側の気流を現像後の磁気ブラシ
による負圧空間で、装置ハウジング内への吸い込み流に
することにより、トナー飛散を防止する技術が開示され
ている。また、特開平２−１３９５８７号公報には、乾
式二成分現像装置のハウジングの少なくとも１か所にフ
ィルタ付き圧抜き穴を設けるととともに現像領域におけ
る装置ハウジング開口の下流側に特定寸法の気流案内板
を設けることにより、簡単な構成でトナーの飛散による
汚染を防止する技術が開示されている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a developing apparatus using a one-component or two-component dry developer, various techniques have been proposed to prevent toner from scattering from a housing opening toward a latent image carrier. I have. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-11278 discloses that a magnetic brush made of a developer blocks an airflow from an upstream side in a conveying direction of a developer carrier in a developing area where an apparatus housing opening and a latent image carrier face each other. There is disclosed a technique for preventing toner scattering by forming an airflow downstream in the transport direction into a suction flow into a device housing in a negative pressure space formed by a magnetic brush after development. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-139587 discloses that a pressure relief hole with a filter is provided at at least one position in a housing of a dry two-component developing device, and an airflow guide plate of a specific size is provided downstream of the device housing opening in a developing area. A technology for preventing contamination due to scattering of toner with a simple configuration is disclosed.
【０００３】[0003]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが、従来の装置
ハウジング開口部からのトナー飛散防止技術によれば、
現像剤担持体上の磁気ブラシからのトナー飛散は十分防
げるが、現像剤担持体の軸方向の端部からのトナー飛散
には十分な効果をあげられなかった。特に、現像剤担持
体として回転により現像領域に現像剤を搬送する現像ロ
ーラを用いる現像装置において、現像剤を担持していな
い現像ローラの端部で気流を発生させるような場合に
は、この装置ハウジング開口端部からのトナー飛散が顕
著であった。However, according to the conventional technique for preventing toner scattering from the opening of the apparatus housing,
Although toner scattering from the magnetic brush on the developer carrying member can be sufficiently prevented, sufficient effects cannot be obtained for toner scattering from an axial end of the developer carrying member. Particularly, in a developing device using a developing roller that transports a developer to a developing area by rotation as a developer carrying member, when an airflow is generated at an end of the developing roller that does not carry the developer, this device is used. The scattering of the toner from the opening end of the housing was remarkable.
【０００４】本発明は以上の問題点に鑑みなされたもの
であり、その目的とするところは、潜像担持体に向けた
装置ハウジング開口の端部からのトナー飛散を従来に比
して軽減できる現像装置を提供することである。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce toner scattering from an end of an opening of an apparatus housing toward a latent image carrier as compared with the related art. It is to provide a developing device.
【０００５】[0005]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、請求項１の発明は、潜像担持体に向いた装置ハウジ
ング開口に現像剤担持体を用いて乾式現像剤を搬送して
該潜像担持体上の潜像を現像する現像装置において、該
現像担持体の表面における軸方向端部の現像剤が担持さ
れない領域を該開口に露出させ、かつ、該現像剤担持体
及び潜像担持体表面とともに、該開口近傍でほぼ閉じた
空間を形成する部材の、該現像剤担持体軸方向端部であ
って上記領域に対応する箇所に、該空間内の空気を逃が
し得る空気通過部を形成したことを特徴とするものであ
る。請求項２の発明は、請求項１の現像装置において、
上記空気通過部を、上記現像剤担持体に供給する現像剤
を収容する装置ケーシング内の空間内と上記閉じた空間
とを連通させるように形成し、かつ、該装置ケーシング
内の空間の周壁部に内部の空気を排出する空気排出部を
形成したことを特徴とするものである。請求項３の発明
は、請求項１の現像装置において、上記部材の所定箇所
に貫通孔を開設し、又は、上記部材の所定箇所を現像剤
が通過し得ずかつ空気が通過し得る材質で形成して、上
記空気通過部を構成したことを特徴とするものである。
請求項４の発明は、請求項１の現像装置において、上記
現像剤担持体として、現像剤搬送方向に回転する回転部
材を用い、かつ、上記閉じた空間を形成する部材の、上
記現像剤担持体上の現像剤量を規制する現像剤規制部材
の上記軸方向の端近傍に位置する部分に、上記空気通過
部を形成したことを特徴とするものである。請求項５の
発明は、請求項４の現像装置において、上記部分が、上
記現像剤規制部材を取り付けるために上記軸方向の端部
に設けられた壁部材の一部であることを特徴とするもの
である。請求項６の発明は、請求項４の現像装置におい
て、上記部分が、上記現像剤規制部材の一部であること
を特徴とするものである。請求項７の発明は、請求項４
の現像装置において、上記空気通過部を、上記現像剤担
持体の現像剤を担持する領域の上記軸方向における端近
傍乃至該端よりも該方向外側に形成したことを特徴とす
るものである。請求項８の発明は、請求項４の現像装置
において、上記空気通過部を、上記現像剤担持体により
搬送される現像剤が内部を通過することがない程度に、
該現像剤担持体の軸に垂直な方向で離れた箇所に形成し
た貫通孔で構成したことを特徴とするものである。請求
項９の発明は、請求項１の現像装置において、自由短縁
が潜像担持体表面に近接又は接触するように上記開口の
潜像担持体表面移動方向上流側に取り付けられて上記空
間を形成する入り口シール、又は、上記現像剤担持体の
軸方向端部と該潜像担持体表面との間に介在して上記空
間を形成するサイドシールに、上記空気通過部を形成
し、該空気通路部を直接、又は、少なくともこれ自体が
現像剤を通過し得ずかつ空気を通過し得る材質で形成さ
れていない場合には該材質からなるフィルターを介し
て、装置外に連通させたことを特徴とするものである。
請求項１０の発明は、請求項９の現像装置において、上
記貫通孔を、上記入れ口シール又は上記サイドシール
の、上記現像剤担持体上の現像剤に圧接しない箇所に開
設したことを特徴とするものである。請求項１１の発明
は、請求項９の現像装置において、上記貫通孔を、上記
現像剤担持体上で搬送されている現像剤で表面が摺擦さ
れる上記入れ口シールの箇所に開設したことを特徴とす
るものである。請求項１２の発明は、潜像担持体に向い
た装置ハウジング開口に現像剤担持体を用いて乾式現像
剤を搬送して該潜像担持体上の潜像を現像する現像装置
において、該現像担持体の表面における軸方向端部の現
像剤が担持されない領域を該開口に露出させ、かつ、自
由短縁が潜像担持体表面に近接又は接触するように該開
口の潜像担持体表面移動方向上流側に取り付けられた入
り口シールの全部又は一部を、現像剤が通過し得ずかつ
空気が通過し得る材質で形成し、該材質部分を該領域に
対向させたことを特徴とするものである。To achieve the above Symbol purpose SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention of Claim 1, conveys the dry developer using a developer carrying member in the apparatus housing opening facing the image bearing member in the developing device for developing the latent image on the latent image bearing member Te, the
The developer is carried at the axial end on the surface of the development carrier.
The areas not exposed to the opening, and, together with the developer carrying member and the latent image bearing member surface, of the member forming the substantially closed space in the opening near the developer carrying member axial end der
Thus, an air passage portion capable of allowing air in the space to escape is formed at a location corresponding to the region . According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first aspect,
The air passage portion is formed so as to allow communication between the closed space and the space inside the device casing accommodating the developer to be supplied to the developer carrier, and the peripheral wall portion of the space inside the device casing An air discharging portion for discharging the internal air is formed at the bottom. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first aspect, a through hole is formed in a predetermined portion of the member, or a material through which developer cannot pass and air can pass through a predetermined portion of the member. The air passage portion is formed to form the air passage portion.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the first aspect, a rotating member that rotates in a developer conveying direction is used as the developer carrying member, and the developer carrying member is a member that forms the closed space. The air passage portion is formed in a portion of the developer regulating member that regulates the amount of the developer on the body near the end in the axial direction. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the fourth aspect, the portion is a part of a wall member provided at the end in the axial direction for attaching the developer regulating member. Things. The invention according to claim 6 is the developing device according to claim 4, wherein the portion is a part of the developer regulating member. The invention of claim 7 is the invention of claim 4
In the developing device, the air passage portion is formed in the vicinity of an end in the axial direction of the region of the developer carrying member that carries the developer or outside the end in the direction. The invention according to claim 8 is the developing device according to claim 4, wherein the developer is conveyed through the air passage portion so that the developer conveyed by the developer carrier does not pass through the inside.
It is characterized by comprising a through hole formed at a position separated in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the developer carrying member. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the first aspect, the space is provided upstream of the opening in the latent image carrier surface moving direction so that a free short edge approaches or contacts the surface of the latent image carrier. Forming the air passage portion on an entrance seal to be formed, or a side seal interposed between an axial end portion of the developer carrier and the surface of the latent image carrier to form the space; That the passage portion is communicated with the outside of the apparatus directly, or at least through a filter made of a material that cannot pass the developer and does not allow air to pass through the filter when the passage portion is not formed of the material. It is a feature.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the ninth aspect, the through hole is formed in a portion of the inlet seal or the side seal that is not pressed against the developer on the developer carrier. Is what you do. According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the ninth aspect, the through hole is formed at a location of the entrance seal where the surface is rubbed by the developer being conveyed on the developer carrier. It is characterized by the following. The invention of claim 12, in the developing device for developing the latent image on the latent image bearing member and conveying the dry developer using a developer carrying member in the apparatus housing opening facing the image bearing member, developing The appearance of the axial edge on the surface of the carrier
A region where the image material is not carried is exposed to the opening, and the entrance seal is attached to the upstream side of the latent image carrier surface moving direction of the opening such that a free short edge approaches or contacts the latent image carrier surface. All or a part is formed of a material through which the developer cannot pass and air can pass , and the material portion is formed in the region.
It is characterized by being opposed .
【０００６】[0006]
【作用】本発明においては、上記開口近傍で形成された
ほぼ閉じた空間を、該空間を形成する部材の現像剤担持
体軸方向の端部に形成した空気通路部を介して装置外部
や現像剤を収容する装置ケーシング内の空間に連通さ
せ、これにより、該閉じた空間内から現像装置外部など
に空気を排出できるものである。According to the present invention, a substantially closed space formed in the vicinity of the above-mentioned opening is externally connected to the developing device via an air passage formed at an axial end of a member forming the space. The space is communicated with a space in an apparatus casing for accommodating the developer, whereby air can be discharged from the closed space to the outside of the developing device.
【０００７】[0007]
【実施例】以下、本発明を画像形成装置である電子写真
複写機（以下、複写機という）の二成分現像装置に適用
した実施例について説明する。図１は本実施例に係る現
像装置の概略構成を示す正面図である。この現像装置１
１は潜像担持体としての感光体１０に向けた開口から部
分的に露出するように配設された上現像ローラ１２及び
下現像ローラ１３を備えた現像器に、トナー補給装置１
４が付設されたものである。現像装置１１の現像器内に
は上現像ローラ１２，下現像ローラ１３の他に、現像器
内に収容している現像剤を撹拌するとともに上現像ロー
ラ１２，下現像ローラ１３に供給するための撹拌パドル
１５と、上現像ローラ１２上の現像剤量を規制する規制
ブレード１６と、規制ブレード１６で規制された現像剤
を横撹拌しながら流下させる横撹拌機構１７、上記トナ
ー補給装置１４から補給されたトナーを現像器内の現像
剤と混合撹拌する混合ローラ１８などが配設されてい
る。また上記トナー補給装置１４は収容トナーを撹拌搬
送するアジテータ１９と、現像器内の現像剤のトナー濃
度検知結果に基づいて回転され、現像器内にトナーを補
給する補給ローラ２０などが配設されているる。ここ
で、現像ローラを２本用いているのは、例えば４００mm
／secという比較的速い線速で感光体１０を回転する高
速複写においても、高品質の画像を得るのに現像ローラ
のスリーブ線速を、感光体線速の１．２〜２．０倍程度
に抑えることから、現像時間を現像ローラ１本の場合よ
りも長くして感光体１０の線速に応じた現像能力（感光
体１０上の静電潜像にトナーを付着させる能力）を確保
するためである。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a two-component developing device of an electrophotographic copying machine (hereinafter referred to as a copying machine) as an image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the developing device according to the present embodiment. This developing device 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a toner replenishing device 1 provided to a developing device having an upper developing roller 12 and a lower developing roller 13 which are disposed so as to be partially exposed from an opening toward a photoconductor 10 as a latent image carrier.
4 is attached. In the developing device of the developing device 11, in addition to the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13, the developer contained in the developing device is stirred and supplied to the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13. A stirring paddle 15, a regulating blade 16 for regulating the amount of developer on the upper developing roller 12, a lateral stirring mechanism 17 for causing the developer regulated by the regulating blade 16 to flow down while being laterally stirred, and replenishment from the toner replenishing device 14. A mixing roller 18 for mixing and agitating the toner thus obtained with the developer in the developing device is provided. The toner replenishing device 14 is provided with an agitator 19 for stirring and transporting the contained toner, a replenishing roller 20 that is rotated based on the result of detecting the toner concentration of the developer in the developing device, and replenishes the toner in the developing device. I'm Here, the reason why two developing rollers are used is, for example, 400 mm
Even in high-speed copying in which the photoconductor 10 is rotated at a relatively high linear speed of / sec, the linear speed of the sleeve of the developing roller is required to be about 1.2 to 2.0 times the linear speed of the photoconductor in order to obtain a high quality image. Therefore, the developing time is made longer than in the case of one developing roller, and the developing ability (ability to attach toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive body 10) according to the linear velocity of the photosensitive body 10 is secured. That's why.
【０００８】そして、上記上現像ローラ１２回転方向で
上記規制ブレード１６の下流側にはシールホルダー２２
が設けられ、かつこれに先端縁部を感光体１０表面に軽
く圧接させるように入り口シール２１が取り付けられ、
これらシールホルダー２２及び入り口シール２１で現像
器開口の上部が構成されている。この入り口シール２１
は例えば厚さ０．２mm〜０．３mmのポリウレタンゴムか
らなる弾性板で構成されている。また下ケーシング２６
の先端縁で現像器開口の下部を構成されている。更に上
現像ローラ１２及び下現像ローラ１３の端部表面に圧接
して現像剤漏れやトナー飛散を防止するため、図３
（ａ）に示すように、現像器の前後側板２４（後側板の
み図示）の感光体１０側端面部にサイドシール２３が貼
り付けられ、この内側縁で現像器開口の両側部が構成さ
れている。なお、図３（ａ）中、現像器開口の上下方向
のほぼ中央で側板２４から内側に延在している部分は、
サイドシール２３を中央で貼り付けるためのシール取付
け部２５である。また側板ブレード取付け部２８から内
側に延びたブレード取付け部２８に上記規制ブレード１
６が取り付けられている。ここで、上現像ローラ１２及
び下現像ローラ１３が感光体１０表面と対向する開口近
傍の空間は、図１及び図３（ａ）から判るように、感光
体１０表面、上現像ローラ１２、下現像ローラ１３、下
ケーシング２６、ブレード取付け部２８、入り口シール
２１、シールホルダー２２、下ケーシング２６、及び前
後側板２４によって、ほぼ閉じられている。以下、この
空間を開口部密閉空間という。A seal holder 22 is provided downstream of the regulating blade 16 in the rotation direction of the upper developing roller 12.
Is provided, and an entrance seal 21 is attached thereto so as to lightly press the front end edge against the surface of the photoreceptor 10;
The seal holder 22 and the entrance seal 21 constitute an upper portion of the opening of the developing device. This entrance seal 21
Is constituted by an elastic plate made of polyurethane rubber having a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. The lower casing 26
The lower edge of the opening of the developing device is constituted by the leading edge of the developing device. Further, in order to prevent developer leakage and toner scattering by pressing against the end surfaces of the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13, FIG.
As shown in (a), side seals 23 are attached to the end faces of the front and rear side plates 24 (only the rear side plate) of the developing device on the side of the photoconductor 10, and both sides of the opening of the developing device are constituted by these inner edges. I have. In FIG. 3A, a portion extending inward from the side plate 24 at substantially the center in the vertical direction of the developing device opening is:
A seal attachment portion 25 for attaching the side seal 23 at the center. The regulating blade 1 is attached to the blade mounting portion 28 extending inward from the side plate blade mounting portion 28.
6 is attached. Here, the space near the opening where the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13 face the surface of the photoconductor 10 is, as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3A, the surface of the photoconductor 10, the upper developing roller 12, and the lower developing roller 12. The developing roller 13, the lower casing 26, the blade mounting portion 28, the entrance seal 21, the seal holder 22, the lower casing 26, and the front and rear side plates 24 are substantially closed. Hereinafter, this space is referred to as an opening closed space.
【０００９】また、この現像装置では、現像器の現像剤
収容部内の過剰な圧力上昇を防止するために、該収容部
の上壁に図示しない貫通孔が形成され、これを被覆する
ようにようにトナーを通過させない圧抜きフィルター３
８が設けられている。In this developing device, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the upper wall of the developer container so as to cover the developer container in order to prevent an excessive rise in pressure in the developer container of the developing device. Pressure filter 3 that does not allow toner to pass through
8 are provided.
【００１０】そして、上記上現像ローラ１２及び下現像
ローラ１３としては、磁力と回転により現像剤を磁気ブ
ラシ状にして搬送する公知の現像ローラ、例えば、複数
の固定磁石を内蔵した回転スリーブを用いた現像ローラ
であり、この現像装置では、装置のコンパクト化のた
め、上現像ローラ１２，下現像ローラ１３のローラ部の
軸方向の長さを必要最小限度の長さに設定している。す
なわち、図２に示すように、磁気ブラシを形成する巾
（磁気ブラシ巾）を、その軸方向の端が予定している最
大の静電潜像についての潜像域の同方向の端から高々３
mm（図中のＡ）程度外になるだけに設定されている。例
えば、最大の静電潜像の巾（Ａ３横巾）が２９７mmに対
して上現像ローラ１２，下現像ローラ１３内の磁石ロー
ラの長さが３０５mmにされている。なお、現像ローラの
外周径は補給ローラ２０mmになっている。また、一点鎖
線で示すサイドシール２３の内側の端が、磁気ブラシ巾
内に入ってしまうと、現像剤溜り、サイドシール２３へ
の現像剤乗り上げ、現像剤落ちなどの不具合が発生する
恐れがあるので、サイドシール２３の内側端と磁気ブラ
シ巾の外側端との間に例えば０．２mm〜１．０mmの間隔
（図中のＢ）が生じるようにサイドシール２３を設けて
いる。ところが、この間隔Ｂを生じさせたことによる副
作用として、この間隔Ｂに対応する上現像ローラ１２及
び下現像ローラ１３表面上に、これらの回転に伴う気流
が発生し、上述のように感光体１０表面等でほぼ閉じら
れた開口部密閉空間内での局所的な圧力上昇を生じて、
現像器開口端部から外部への空気の吹き出しを生じやす
くなる。この吹き出しの気流に現像剤のキャリアから遊
離して浮遊したトナーが乗ってしまうと、現像器開口の
端部から漏れて複写機内のいろいろな箇所に飛散し、ト
ナー汚染を起こす。特に、上現像ローラ１２、下現像ロ
ーラ１３及び感光体１０で囲まれた領域（以下、ローラ
楔領域という）では、両ローラの空気流が合流して空気
圧が高まり、現像器開口端部からの空気の吹き出しを発
生させてトナー飛散を起こしやすい。As the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13, a known developing roller for transporting the developer in the form of a magnetic brush by magnetic force and rotation, for example, a rotating sleeve having a plurality of fixed magnets built therein is used. In this developing device, the axial lengths of the roller portions of the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13 are set to the minimum necessary length in order to make the device compact. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the width of the magnetic brush (magnetic brush width) is set to be at most from the same direction of the latent image area of the intended maximum electrostatic latent image at its axial end. 3
The distance is set to be only about mm (A in the figure). For example, the length of the magnet roller in the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13 is 305 mm while the maximum width (A3 width) of the electrostatic latent image is 297 mm. The outer diameter of the developing roller is 20 mm for the supply roller. Further, if the inner end of the side seal 23 indicated by the dashed line enters the width of the magnetic brush, there is a possibility that problems such as accumulation of the developer, running of the developer on the side seal 23, and falling of the developer may occur. Therefore, the side seal 23 is provided such that a gap (B in the drawing) of, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm is generated between the inner end of the side seal 23 and the outer end of the magnetic brush width. However, as a side effect of the generation of the interval B, an airflow accompanying the rotation is generated on the surfaces of the upper developing roller 12 and the lower developing roller 13 corresponding to the interval B. A local pressure rise in the opening enclosed space almost closed by the surface etc.
Air is easily blown out from the opening end of the developing device to the outside. If the toner floating from the carrier of the developer gets on the airflow of the blowing, it leaks from the end of the opening of the developing device and scatters to various places in the copying machine, causing toner contamination. In particular, in a region surrounded by the upper developing roller 12, the lower developing roller 13, and the photoreceptor 10 (hereinafter, referred to as a roller wedge region), the air flows of the two rollers join to increase the air pressure, and the air pressure from the opening end of the developing device opening increases. The toner is liable to be scattered due to air blowing.
【００１１】そこで、本実施例では、上記開口部密閉空
間と現像器内の現像剤収容部内とを連通させて、この空
間内の端部での局所的な圧力上昇を軽減し、上記開口部
密閉空間内の現像ローラ軸方向端部での局所的な圧力上
昇による現像器開口端部からのトナー漏れを防止する。
このために本実施例の現像装置においては、図２及び図
３（ａ）に示すように、上記開口部密閉空間と上記現像
剤収容部内とを仕切る部材である、上現像ローラ１２、
下現像ローラ１３、規制ブレード１６、及びブレード取
付け部２８のうち、ブレード取付け部２８に開口２７を
開設している。この開口２７の具体的な形成位置は、現
像ローラ軸方向では規制ブレード１６の端近傍が望まし
く、また、現像ローラ軸に垂直な方向では、上現像ロー
ラ１２で搬送される現像剤が開口２７内に通過しない程
度に上現像ローラ１２から離れた位置が望ましい。Therefore, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned closed space of the opening and the inside of the developer accommodating portion in the developing device are communicated with each other to reduce a local pressure rise at an end in this space. This prevents toner from leaking from the opening end of the developing device due to local pressure rise at the axial end of the developing roller in the closed space.
For this reason, in the developing device of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the upper developing roller 12, which is a member that separates the above-mentioned closed space from the inside of the developer accommodating portion,
Of the lower developing roller 13, the regulating blade 16, and the blade attaching portion 28, an opening 27 is opened in the blade attaching portion 28. The specific position of the opening 27 is preferably near the end of the regulating blade 16 in the direction of the developing roller axis, and in the direction perpendicular to the developing roller axis, the developer conveyed by the upper developing roller 12 It is desirable that the position be away from the upper developing roller 12 so that the toner does not pass through the upper developing roller 12.
【００１２】この開口２７を形成することにより、図３
（ａ）に示すように、感光体１０表面、上現像ローラ１
２及び下現像ローラ１３で囲まれたローラ楔領域から、
開口２７を通って現像剤収容部側に空気が流れ得るの
で、この領域の局所的な圧力上昇を軽減できる。ここ
で、現像剤収容器内は、その上壁に設けられた圧抜きフ
ィルター３８などで、過剰な圧力上昇が防止されている
ので、上記開口２７を介しての空気流入が特に良好に行
える。なお、図中、ａで示す空気流は、上記ローラ楔領
域からシール取付け部２５の下方を通って開口２７に至
るもので、ｂで示す空気流は、磁気ブラシ巾の端３６と
サイドシール２３の内側の端との間を通って開口２７に
至るものである。By forming this opening 27, FIG.
As shown in (a), the surface of the photoconductor 10 and the upper developing roller 1
2 and the roller wedge area surrounded by the lower developing roller 13,
Since air can flow toward the developer accommodating portion through the opening 27, local pressure rise in this region can be reduced. Here, the inside of the developer container is prevented from excessively increasing in pressure by a pressure relief filter 38 provided on the upper wall thereof, so that the air can be particularly preferably flowed in through the opening 27. In the drawing, the air flow indicated by a is from the roller wedge region to the opening 27 through below the seal attachment portion 25, and the air flow indicated by b is the end 36 of the magnetic brush width and the side seal 23. To the opening 27 through the gap between the inner end of the opening.
【００１３】なお、現像剤収容部内の現像剤が該開口２
７を通って開口部密閉空間内に入り込んだり、該開口２
７を塞ぐだりするのを完全に防止するために、図３
（ａ）に示すように、例えば現像剤収容部内側に現像剤
のキャリアの侵入を防止し得る剤侵入防止部材２９を設
けても良い。この剤侵入防止部材２９の材質としてトナ
ーを通過させないものを用いればトナーの侵入も防止で
きる。更に、剤侵入防止部材２９をブレード取付け部２
８の壁面に固定するのに代え、剤侵入防止部材２９内を
埋めるように設けても良い。Note that the developer in the developer accommodating portion receives the opening 2
7 into the closed space of the opening,
In order to completely prevent blockage of FIG.
As shown in (a), for example, an agent intrusion prevention member 29 that can prevent the intrusion of the carrier of the developer may be provided inside the developer accommodating portion. If a material that does not allow toner to pass through is used as the material of the agent intrusion prevention member 29, the intrusion of toner can also be prevented. Further, the agent intrusion preventing member 29 is attached to the blade attaching portion 2.
Instead of being fixed to the wall surface, the inside of the agent intrusion prevention member 29 may be provided.
【００１４】図４（ａ）は他の実施例に係る現像装置の
部分斜視図、図４（ｂ）は同現像装置の規制ブレードの
説明図である。この現像装置が、図３の現像装置と異な
る点は、上記開口部密閉空間と上記現像剤収容部内とを
仕切る部材であるブレード取付け部２８に開口２７を開
設しているのに代え、同様に上記開口部密閉空間と上記
現像剤収容部内とを仕切る部材である規制ブレード１６
に両部を連通させるためのブレード開口３０を開設して
いる点のみである。このブレード開口３０によっても、
図４（ａ）中にａ，ｂで示すように、上記ローラ楔領域
から、ブレード開口３０を通って現像剤収容部側に空気
が流れ得るので、この領域の局所的な圧力上昇を軽減で
きる。なお、ここでも図中、ａで示す空気流は、上記ロ
ーラ楔領域からシール取付け部２５の下方を通って開口
２７に至るもので、ｂで示す空気流は、磁気ブラシ巾の
端３６とサイドシール２３の内側の端との間を通って開
口２７に至るものである。FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view of a developing device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory view of a regulating blade of the developing device. This developing device is different from the developing device of FIG. 3 in that an opening 27 is opened in a blade mounting portion 28 that is a member that separates the above-mentioned closed space from the inside of the developer accommodating portion. A regulating blade 16 which is a member for partitioning the opening closed space and the inside of the developer accommodating portion;
The only difference is that a blade opening 30 is provided to allow the two parts to communicate with each other. With this blade opening 30,
As shown by a and b in FIG. 4A, air can flow from the roller wedge region to the developer accommodating portion side through the blade opening 30, so that a local pressure increase in this region can be reduced. . In this case, the air flow indicated by a in the drawing also passes from the roller wedge region to the opening 27 through below the seal mounting portion 25, and the air flow indicated by b corresponds to the end 36 of the magnetic brush width and the side surface. It passes through the space between the inner end of the seal 23 and the opening 27.
【００１５】図５は更に他の実施例に係る現像装置の部
分斜視図である。この現像装置は、図３や図４の現像装
置と異なり、上記開口部密閉空間内の局所的な圧力上昇
を軽減するために、該開口部密閉空間を現像剤収容部に
連通させているのに代え、該開口部密閉空間を、トナー
を通過させないフィルターを介して現像装置外部に連通
させる。このために、この現像装置では、サイドシール
２３にサイドシール開口３１を開設し、このサイドシー
ル開口３１を、上現像ローラ１２とは反対側の面からサ
イドシール開口３１に接続するパイプ３２を介してフィ
ルター３３に連通させ、このフィルター３３を介して現
像装置に空気を排出できるようになっている。このサイ
ドシール開口３１の具体的な位置としては、サイドシー
ル開口３１が上現像ローラ１２上の現像剤に接触しない
箇所に設定することが望ましい。なおフィルター３３と
しては、例えば浮遊トナーの粒径（通常５μｍ〜１５μ
ｍ）以下の、多数の小孔を持つ多孔質部材、好ましくは
多孔質弾性部材や、静電吸着を利用したフィルター部材
などを有するものを利用できる。これによれば、図５中
にａ，ｂで示すように、上記ローラ楔領域から、サイド
シール開口３１、パイプ３２及びフィルター３３を通っ
て現像装置外に空気が流れ得るので、この領域の局所的
な圧力上昇を軽減できる。なお、上記サイドシール開口
３１部分を例えば浮遊トナーの粒径（通常５μｍ〜１５
μｍ）以下の、多数の小孔を持つ多孔質部材、好ましく
は多孔質弾性部材や、静電吸着を利用したフィルター部
材などの材質で形成すれば、該サイドシール開口３１を
例えばパイプ３２で装置外に連通させるだけでトナー飛
散を伴うことなく、上記ローラ楔領域の局所的な圧力上
昇を軽減できる。FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a developing device according to still another embodiment. This developing device is different from the developing devices of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that the opening closed space communicates with the developer accommodating portion in order to reduce a local pressure rise in the opening closed space. Instead, the opening closed space is communicated with the outside of the developing device via a filter that does not allow toner to pass through. For this purpose, in the developing device, a side seal opening 31 is opened in the side seal 23, and the side seal opening 31 is connected to the side seal opening 31 from a surface opposite to the upper developing roller 12 via a pipe 32. Through the filter 33 so that air can be discharged to the developing device via the filter 33. The specific position of the side seal opening 31 is desirably set to a position where the side seal opening 31 does not contact the developer on the upper developing roller 12. As the filter 33, for example, the particle diameter of the floating toner (usually 5 μm to 15 μm) is used.
m) The following porous member having a large number of small holes, preferably a porous elastic member, or a member having a filter member utilizing electrostatic adsorption can be used. According to this, as shown by a and b in FIG. 5, air can flow from the roller wedge region to the outside of the developing device through the side seal opening 31, the pipe 32, and the filter 33. Pressure rise can be reduced. The side seal opening 31 is formed, for example, with a particle size of floating toner (normally 5 μm to 15 μm).
μm) or less, the side seal opening 31 can be formed by a pipe 32, for example, if it is formed of a material such as a porous member having a large number of small holes, preferably a porous elastic member, or a filter member utilizing electrostatic adsorption. It is possible to reduce a local pressure increase in the roller wedge region without causing toner scattering by merely communicating with the outside.
【００１６】図６（ａ）は更に他の実施例に係る現像装
置の部分斜視図、図６（ｂ）は同現像装置の入り口シー
ル２１の説明図である。この現像装置が、図５の現像装
置と異なる点は、上記開口部密閉空間を現像装置外部と
連通させるのに、サイドシール２３にサイドシール開口
３１を開設してこのサイドシール開口３１をパイプ３２
及びフィルター３３を介して外部と連通させたのに代
え、入り口シール２１に入り口シール開口３４を開設し
て、この入り口シール開口３４をパイプ３２及びフィル
ター３３を介して外部と連通させた点のみである。これ
においても、図６（ａ）中にａ，ｂで示すように、上記
ローラ楔領域から、入り口シール開口３４、パイプ３２
及びフィルター３３を通って現像装置外に空気が流れ得
るので、この領域の局所的な圧力上昇を軽減できる。な
お、ここでもこのように入り口シール２１に入り口シー
ル開口３４を開設するのに代え、この入り口シール開口
３４部分を、上記のようなフィルター機能を有する材質
で形成すれば、該サイドシール開口３１を例えばパイプ
３２で装置外に連通させるだけでトナー飛散を伴うこと
なく、上記ローラ楔領域の局所的な圧力上昇を軽減でき
る。FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of a developing device according to still another embodiment, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of an entrance seal 21 of the developing device. This developing device is different from the developing device of FIG. 5 in that a side seal opening 31 is formed in a side seal 23 and the side seal opening 31 is connected to a pipe 32 in order to communicate the above-mentioned closed space with the outside of the developing device.
Instead of communicating with the outside through the filter and the filter 33, only the point that the entrance seal opening is opened through the entrance seal 21 and the entrance seal opening is communicated with the outside through the pipe 32 and the filter 33 is used. is there. Also in this case, as shown by a and b in FIG. 6A, the entrance seal opening 34, the pipe 32
Further, since air can flow outside the developing device through the filter 33, a local pressure increase in this region can be reduced. In this case, instead of opening the entrance seal opening 34 in this way, the entrance seal opening 34 may be formed of a material having a filter function as described above, so that the side seal opening 31 is formed. For example, a local rise in pressure in the roller wedge region can be reduced without causing toner scattering only by communicating with the outside of the apparatus by the pipe 32.
【００１７】また、図６（ｄ）に示すように、このよう
に外部に連通させる箇所のみならず、入り口シール２１
全体をこのようなフィルター機能を有する材質で形成し
ても良い。更に、図６（ｃ）に示すように、外部に連通
させるべき、入り口シール開口３４やフィルター機能材
質で形成した部分を、上現像ローラ１２上の現像剤が摺
擦する箇所に設定してもよい。これによれば、このよう
な部分のトナー詰まりを防止できる。なお、上述の図６
（ｄ）のように、入り口シール２１全体をフィルター機
能を有する材質で形成した場合や、入り口シール開口３
４部分をこのうような材質て形成した場合には、パイプ
３２などを設けなくても、上記ローラ楔領域の局所的な
圧力上昇を防止できる。In addition, as shown in FIG. 6D, not only the portion communicating with the outside as described above, but also the entrance seal 21 is provided.
The whole may be formed of a material having such a filter function. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the entrance seal opening 34 and the portion formed of the filter function material, which are to be communicated with the outside, may be set at locations where the developer on the upper developing roller 12 rubs. Good. According to this, toner clogging of such a portion can be prevented. Note that FIG.
As shown in (d), when the entire entrance seal 21 is formed of a material having a filter function, or when the entrance seal opening 3 is formed.
When the four parts are formed of such materials, it is possible to prevent a local pressure increase in the roller wedge region without providing the pipe 32 or the like.
【００１８】以上各実施例では、上記ローラ楔上領域の
局所的な圧力上昇に着目して説明したが、各実施例の構
成によれば、これ以外の端部箇所における局所的な圧力
上昇も軽減できる。In each of the embodiments described above, the local pressure increase in the region above the roller wedge has been described. However, according to the configuration of each embodiment, the local pressure increase at other end portions may also occur. Can be reduced.
【００１９】[0019]
【発明の効果】請求項１乃至１１の発明によれば、上記
開口近傍で形成されたほぼ閉じた空間を、該空間を形成
する部材の現像剤担持体軸方向の端部に形成した空気通
路部を介して装置外部や現像剤を収容する装置ケーシン
グ内の空間に連通させ、これにより、該閉じた空間内か
ら現像装置外部などに空気を排出できるもので、該閉じ
た空間内で局所的な圧力上昇を軽減できる。従って、こ
のような局所的な圧力上昇による該開口の端部からの現
像剤の飛散を軽減でき、装置清掃などの保守作業の頻度
なども少なくできる。特に、請求項２の発明によれば、
上記空気通過部を、上記現像剤担持体に供給する現像剤
を収容する装置ケーシング内の空間内と上記閉じた空間
とを連通させるように形成し、かつ、該装置ケーシング
内の空間の周壁部に内部の空気を排出する空気排出部を
形成したので、該空気通過部を介しての現像剤を収容す
る装置ケーシング内の空間への空気の排出を良好に行え
る。また、請求項４の発明によれば、上記現像剤担持体
として、現像剤搬送方向に回転する回転部材を用い、か
つ、上記閉じた空間を形成する部材の、上記現像剤担持
体上の現像剤量を規制する現像剤規制部材の上記軸方向
の端近傍に位置する部分に、上記空気通過部を形成した
ので、該現像剤担持体の現像剤を担持していない端部部
分上での、該現像剤担持体回転にともなう気流が発生し
て、上記閉じた空間内が局所的に圧力上昇しようとした
場合にもこれを軽減できる。また、請求項５の発明によ
れば、請求項４の上記部分が、上記現像剤規制部材を取
り付けるために上記軸方向の端部に設けられた壁部材の
一部であるので、規制部材自体に上記空気流通部を形成
するための特別の加工を要せず、該規制部材を例えばア
ルミの押出し部材などの単純でしかもコンパクトな形
状、大きさにできる。また、請求項６の発明によれば、
請求項４の上記部分が、上記現像剤規制部材の一部であ
るので、該現像剤規制部材を取り付けるための壁部材に
上記空気流通部を形成するための特別の加工を要せず、
樹脂の成型品で製造する場合、成型用型やその抜き方向
に余分な制約が加わらなくて済む。また、請求項８の発
明によれば、請求項４の上記空気通過部を、上記現像剤
担持体により搬送される現像剤が内部を通過することが
ない程度に、該現像剤担持体の軸に垂直な方向で離れた
箇所に形成した貫通孔で構成したので、現像剤担持体状
の現像剤量が端部のみで過剰に増大するのを軽減でき
る。また、請求項９の発明によれば、上記閉じた空間か
装置外に空気を排出するにあたって、フィルター機能を
有する部分を通しているので、装置外への現像剤の飛散
を軽減できる。また、請求項１０の発明によれば、請求
項９の上記貫通孔を、上記入れ口シール又は上記サイド
シールの、上記現像剤担持体上の現像剤に圧接しない箇
所に開設したので、該貫通孔を介しての装置外部への剤
漏れなどの不具合を軽減できる。また、請求項１１の発
明によれば、請求項９の上記貫通孔を、上記現像剤担持
体上で搬送されている現像剤で表面が摺擦される上記入
れ口シールの箇所に開設したので、該貫通孔が現像剤担
持体の現像剤担持力によって常時クリーニングされ、こ
れにより、該貫通孔のつまれによる空気排出効果の低下
を軽減できる。また、請求項１２の発明によれば、自由
短縁が潜像担持体表面に近接又は接触するように該開口
の潜像担持体表面移動方向上流側に取り付けられた入り
口シールの全部又は一部を、現像剤が通過し得ずかつ空
気が通過し得る材質で形成したので、特に副作用の問題
も無く、該開口の端部からの現像剤飛散を軽減できる。According to the present invention, the substantially closed space formed in the vicinity of the opening is formed at the axial end of the member forming the space in the axial direction of the developer carrier. Through the section, and communicates with the space inside the device casing that contains the developer, whereby air can be discharged from the closed space to the outside of the developing device, etc. Pressure rise can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the scattering of the developer from the end of the opening due to such a local pressure increase, and to reduce the frequency of maintenance work such as cleaning of the apparatus. In particular, according to the invention of claim 2,
The air passage portion is formed so as to allow communication between the closed space and the space inside the device casing accommodating the developer to be supplied to the developer carrier, and the peripheral wall portion of the space inside the device casing Since the air discharge portion for discharging the internal air is formed in the space, the air can be satisfactorily discharged to the space in the device casing that accommodates the developer through the air passage portion. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a rotating member that rotates in a developer conveying direction is used as the developer carrying member, and a developing member on the developer carrying member of the member forming the closed space is used. Since the air passage portion is formed in a portion of the developer regulating member that regulates the amount of the developer in the vicinity of the end in the axial direction, the developer carrying member is provided on an end portion of the developer carrying member that does not carry the developer. In addition, even when an air current is generated due to the rotation of the developer carrier and the pressure in the closed space is locally increased, this can be reduced. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the portion of the fourth aspect is a part of the wall member provided at the end in the axial direction for attaching the developer regulating member, and thus the regulating member itself is provided. In this case, no special processing is required for forming the air circulation portion, and the regulating member can be formed into a simple and compact shape and size such as an aluminum extrusion member. According to the invention of claim 6,
Since the part of claim 4 is a part of the developer regulating member, it does not require special processing for forming the air circulating portion on a wall member for attaching the developer regulating member,
In the case of manufacturing with a resin molded product, there is no need to add an extra restriction to the molding die and the direction in which it is removed. According to the invention of claim 8, the shaft of the developer carrying member is moved to the extent that the developer conveyed by the developer carrying member does not pass through the inside of the air passage portion of claim 4. Since it is constituted by the through-hole formed at a position separated in the direction perpendicular to the direction, it is possible to reduce an excessive increase in the amount of the developer in the developer carrier at only the end portion. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when air is discharged to the outside of the closed space or the outside of the apparatus, the air is passed through a portion having a filter function, so that scattering of the developer outside the apparatus can be reduced. According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the through hole according to the ninth aspect is formed at a portion of the inlet seal or the side seal that is not pressed against the developer on the developer carrier, so that the through hole is formed. Problems such as leakage of the agent to the outside of the device through the hole can be reduced. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the through hole according to the ninth aspect is formed at the location of the entrance seal where the surface is rubbed with the developer conveyed on the developer carrier. In addition, the through hole is constantly cleaned by the developer carrying force of the developer carrying member, so that a decrease in the air discharging effect due to the clogging of the through hole can be reduced. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, all or a part of the entrance seal attached to the upstream side of the opening in the latent image carrier surface moving direction such that the free short edge approaches or comes into contact with the latent image carrier surface. Is formed of a material through which the developer cannot pass and through which the air can pass, so that there is no particular problem of side effects, and the scattering of the developer from the end of the opening can be reduced.
【図１】実施例に係る現像装置の概略構成を示す正面
図。FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a developing device according to an embodiment.
【図２】同現像装置のケーシング開口を感光体側から見
た説明図。FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a casing opening of the developing device as viewed from a photoconductor side.
【図３】（ａ）は同現像装置の部分斜視図。（ｂ）は同
現像装置の同（ａ）のＸ−Ｘ断面図。FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the developing device. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
【図４】（ａ）は他の実施例に係る現像装置の部分斜視
図。（ｂ）は同現像装置の規制ブレードの説明図。FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view of a developing device according to another embodiment. (B) is an explanatory view of a regulating blade of the developing device.
【図５】他の実施例に係る現像装置の部分斜視図。FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a developing device according to another embodiment.
【図６】（ａ）は他の実施例に係る現像装置の部分斜視
図。（ｂ）は同現像装置の入り口シールの説明図。
（ｃ）は同現像装置の入り口シールの変形例の説明図。
（ｄ）は同現像装置の入り口シールの他の変形例の説明
図。FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of a developing device according to another embodiment. (B) is an explanatory view of an entrance seal of the developing device.
(C) is an explanatory view of a modification of the entrance seal of the developing device.
(D) is an explanatory view of another modification of the entrance seal of the developing device.
１０ 感光体 １１ 現像装置 １２ 上現像ローラ １３ 下現像ローラ １４ トナー供給装置 １５ 撹拌パドル １６ 規制ブレード １７ 横撹拌機構 １８ 混合ローラ １９ アジテータ ２０ 補給ローラ ２１ 入り口シール ２２ シールホルダー ２３ サイドシール ２４ 壁側板 ２５ シール取付け部 ２６ 下ケーシング ２７ 開口 ２８ ブレード取付け部 ２９ 剤侵入防止部材 ３０ ブレード開口 ３１ サイドシール開口 ３２ パイプ ３３ フィルター ３４ シール開口 ３６ 磁気ブラシ端 ３７ 圧抜きフィルター REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 photoconductor 11 developing device 12 upper developing roller 13 lower developing roller 14 toner supply device 15 stirring paddle 16 regulating blade 17 side stirring mechanism 18 mixing roller 19 agitator 20 replenishment roller 21 entrance seal 22 seal holder 23 side seal 24 wall side plate 25 seal Mounting part 26 Lower casing 27 Opening 28 Blade mounting part 29 Agent intrusion prevention member 30 Blade opening 31 Side seal opening 32 Pipe 33 Filter 34 Seal opening 36 Magnetic brush end 37 Depressurizing filter
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 特開 平４−324468（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平３−43764（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭63−311284（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平４−298772（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭61−140968（ＪＰ，Ａ) 実開 昭56−92158（ＪＰ，Ｕ) 実開 昭62−170953（ＪＰ，Ｕ) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) G03G 13/08 - 13/095 G03G 15/08 - 15/095 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-324468 (JP, A) JP-A-3-433764 (JP, A) JP-A-63-131284 (JP, A) JP-A-4-324468 298772 (JP, A) JP-A-61-140968 (JP, A) JP-A-56-92158 (JP, U) JP-A-62-170953 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. 7 , DB name) G03G 13/08-13/095 G03G 15/08-15/095
Claims (12)
現像剤担持体を用いて乾式現像剤を搬送して該潜像担持
体上の潜像を現像する現像装置において、該現像担持体
の表面における軸方向端部の現像剤が担持されない領域
を該開口に露出させ、かつ、該現像剤担持体及び潜像担
持体表面とともに、該開口近傍でほぼ閉じた空間を形成
する部材の、該現像剤担持体軸方向端部であって上記領
域に対応する箇所に、該空間内の空気を逃がし得る空気
通過部を形成したことを特徴とする現像装置。A developing device for transporting a dry developer using a developer carrier to an opening of an apparatus housing facing the latent image carrier to develop a latent image on the latent image carrier;
Area on the surface of the surface where the developer is not carried at the axial end
The exposed to the opening, and, together with the developer carrying member and the latent image bearing member surface, of the member forming the substantially closed space in the opening vicinity of the territory a developer carrying member axial end
A developing device, wherein an air passage portion capable of releasing air in the space is formed at a location corresponding to the area .
給する現像剤を収容する装置ケーシング内の空間内と上
記閉じた空間とを連通させるように形成し、かつ、該装
置ケーシング内の空間の周壁部に内部の空気を排出する
空気排出部を形成したことを特徴とする請求項１の現像
装置。2. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said air passage portion is formed so as to communicate a space inside a device casing for accommodating a developer to be supplied to said developer carrier with said closed space. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an air discharging portion for discharging the internal air is formed in a peripheral wall portion of the space.
は、上記部材の所定箇所を現像剤が通過し得ずかつ空気
が通過し得る材質で形成して、上記空気通過部を構成し
たことを特徴とする請求項１の現像装置。3. The air passage portion is formed by forming a through hole in a predetermined portion of the member, or by forming a predetermined portion of the member with a material through which developer cannot pass and air can pass. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein:
に回転する回転部材を用い、かつ、上記閉じた空間を形
成する部材の、上記現像剤担持体上の現像剤量を規制す
る現像剤規制部材の上記軸方向の端近傍に位置する部分
に、上記空気通過部を形成したことを特徴とする請求項
１の現像装置。4. A developing device that uses a rotating member that rotates in a developer conveying direction as the developer carrying member and regulates the amount of developer on the developer carrying member of the member that forms the closed space. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the air passage portion is formed in a portion of the agent regulating member located near the end in the axial direction.
けるために上記軸方向の端部に設けられた壁部材の一部
であることを特徴とする請求項４の現像装置。5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the portion is a part of a wall member provided at an end in the axial direction for attaching the developer regulating member.
あることを特徴とする請求項４の現像装置。6. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein said portion is a part of said developer regulating member.
像剤を担持する領域の上記軸方向における端近傍乃至該
端よりも該方向外側に形成したことを特徴とする請求項
４の現像装置。7. The device according to claim 4, wherein the air passage portion is formed in the vicinity of an end in the axial direction of the region of the developer carrying member for carrying the developer or outside the end in the axial direction. Developing device.
り搬送される現像剤が内部を通過することがない程度
に、該現像剤担持体の軸に垂直な方向で離れた箇所に形
成した貫通孔で構成したことを特徴とする請求項４の現
像装置。8. The air passage portion is formed at a position separated in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the developer carrier so that the developer conveyed by the developer carrier does not pass through the inside. 5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein said developing device comprises a through-hole.
するように上記開口の潜像担持体表面移動方向上流側に
取り付けられて上記空間を形成する入り口シール、又
は、上記現像剤担持体の軸方向端部と該潜像担持体表面
との間に介在して上記空間を形成するサイドシールに、
上記空気通過部を形成し、該空気通路部を直接、又は、
少なくともこれ自体が現像剤を通過し得ずかつ空気を通
過し得る材質で形成されていない場合には該材質からな
るフィルターを介して、装置外に連通させたことを特徴
とする請求項１の現像装置。9. An entrance seal which is attached to an upstream side of the latent image carrier moving direction of the opening so that a free short edge approaches or comes into contact with the latent image carrier surface to form the space, or the developer. A side seal that forms the space interposed between the axial end of the carrier and the surface of the latent image carrier,
Forming the air passage portion, direct the air passage portion, or
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least when the material itself is not formed of a material that cannot pass through the developer and does not allow air to pass therethrough, the device is connected to the outside of the apparatus via a filter made of the material. Developing device.
記サイドシールの、上記現像剤担持体上の現像剤に圧接
しない箇所に開設したことを特徴とする請求項９の現像
装置。10. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein said through-hole is formed in a portion of said inlet seal or said side seal which is not pressed against the developer on said developer carrier.
送されている現像剤で表面が摺擦される上記入れ口シー
ルの箇所に開設したことを特徴とする請求項９の現像装
置。11. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein said through-hole is formed at a location of said entrance seal, the surface of which is rubbed with the developer conveyed on said developer carrier. .
に現像剤担持体を用いて乾式現像剤を搬送して該潜像担
持体上の潜像を現像する現像装置において、該現像担持
体の表面における軸方向端部の現像剤が担持されない領
域を該開口に露出させ、かつ、自由短縁が潜像担持体表
面に近接又は接触するように該開口の潜像担持体表面移
動方向上流側に取り付けられた入り口シールの全部又は
一部を、現像剤が通過し得ずかつ空気が通過し得る材質
で形成し、該材質部分を該領域に対向させたことを特徴
とする現像装置。12. A developing device for conveying a dry developer using a developer carrier to an opening of an apparatus housing facing the latent image carrier to develop a latent image on the latent image carrier.
The area where the developer is not supported at the axial end on the surface of the body
Exposing the area to the opening, and removing all or a part of the entrance seal attached to the latent image carrier surface moving direction upstream side of the opening such that the free short edge approaches or contacts the latent image carrier surface. A developing device formed of a material through which the developer cannot pass and through which air can pass, with the material portion facing the region .
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP36093392A JP3247963B2 (en) | 1992-12-28 | 1992-12-28 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP36093392A JP3247963B2 (en) | 1992-12-28 | 1992-12-28 | Developing device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH06202464A JPH06202464A (en) | 1994-07-22 |
| JP3247963B2 true JP3247963B2 (en) | 2002-01-21 |
Family
ID=18471517
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP36093392A Expired - Fee Related JP3247963B2 (en) | 1992-12-28 | 1992-12-28 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3247963B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10215460B2 (en) | 2013-09-04 | 2019-02-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Variable expansion device with thermal choking for a refrigeration system |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6385415B1 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2002-05-07 | Nexpress Solutions Llc | Development station for a reproduction apparatus |
| JP2004272144A (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2004-09-30 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming device |
| JP2005321762A (en) * | 2004-04-07 | 2005-11-17 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP4522235B2 (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2010-08-11 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP4882418B2 (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2012-02-22 | コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
| JP4974595B2 (en) * | 2006-07-13 | 2012-07-11 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP4981553B2 (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2012-07-25 | 株式会社リコー | Development device |
| JP5171553B2 (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2013-03-27 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP6284023B2 (en) * | 2014-04-24 | 2018-02-28 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP6477302B2 (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2019-03-06 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
-
1992
- 1992-12-28 JP JP36093392A patent/JP3247963B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10215460B2 (en) | 2013-09-04 | 2019-02-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Variable expansion device with thermal choking for a refrigeration system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH06202464A (en) | 1994-07-22 |
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